midwest activities

2024/12/24 Edited to

... Read moreHey Lemon8 fam! If you're anything like me, the moment Friday hits, your mind starts racing for fun things to do over the weekend. Living in or near the Midwest means you're spoiled for choice, and I've been on a mission lately to uncover some of the best weekend activities this region has to offer! Forget just staying home – the Midwest is bursting with charm, adventure, and delicious eats just waiting to be discovered. I often find myself wondering, 'What are the best things to do in the Midwest this weekend?' and let me tell you, the answers are endless! One of my absolute favorite ways to spend a Saturday is exploring the incredible state parks. Places like Starved Rock State Park here in Illinois offer breathtaking canyon views and waterfalls – perfect for a hike and some stunning photos. Or perhaps you're closer to the Great Lakes? A drive along the Michigan coastline, stopping at cozy beach towns, is pure bliss. Even just finding a local nature preserve for a quick trail walk can totally refresh your mind. Don't forget to check out local farms for seasonal fun like apple picking in the fall or strawberry picking in the summer – it's a nostalgic and tasty experience! Foodies, rejoice! The Midwest's culinary scene is seriously underrated. This weekend, why not seek out a local farmers market? You'll find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and often live music. I recently stumbled upon a quaint little bakery in a small Illinois town that had the most incredible apple fritters – totally made my day! Many towns also boast fantastic craft breweries or wineries that offer tours and tastings. It’s a great way to unwind and discover new local favorites. And for dinner? Look for those mom-and-pop diners or farm-to-table restaurants that truly capture the regional flavors. For those who love a bit of culture or history, the Midwest has so much to offer. Think about visiting a historic downtown area; many Midwestern towns have beautifully preserved architecture and unique boutiques. I love popping into antique shops – you never know what treasures you might unearth! Museums are also a fantastic option, whether it's a major city museum or a small, quirky local history center. Sometimes, just driving through the scenic routes, especially during autumn when the leaves are changing, is an activity in itself. Planning your Midwest weekend adventure is easier than you think. My go-to tip is to check out local tourism websites or community event calendars for the specific area you're interested in, like Illinois. They often list festivals, concerts, and unique events happening this weekend. Always pack layers – Midwest weather can be unpredictable! And don't forget your camera, because you're bound to find something beautiful or delicious to capture. So, if you're asking yourself what things to do in the Midwest this weekend, I hope this gives you a great starting point. There's so much more to explore beyond the usual spots. What are your favorite Midwest weekend activities? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments!

Related posts

Fun activities (Summer edition)
#summer #sunset #summerbreak #summeraesthetic #summervibes #summervisionboard #summervacation #summerlife #beachvibes #beachgirl
natalyy

natalyy

561 likes

A young woman winks at the camera, wearing a gray baseball cap, with the text 'SELF LOVE activities' overlaid. The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom left.
A young woman winks at the camera, wearing a gray baseball cap, with a checklist overlaid listing categories for self-love activities: inner child, body, growth, social life, relaxation, and productivity.
A collage of images including a woman on a mountain, a child, a fort, and two people playing, with a checklist for 'for your inner child' activities like dance class and pottery.
(REAL) self love activities 💞
gentle reminder that self love is soooo much more than self care days, bubble baths, and affirmations. this is what REAL self love looks like! ⤵️ for your growth 🌱 let go of things you can’t control but that you’re still clinging to 🌱 ask yourself if you have any self-sabotaging behaviors -
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

515 likes

An evening view of the Griffith Observatory overlooking the Los Angeles cityscape, with the text 'Los Angeles Cheap Things to Do' overlaid, serving as a guide cover.
A group of people practicing yoga outdoors on blue mats in a grassy, tree-shaded area, illustrating 'Runyon Canyon Yoga' as a donation-based activity.
A vibrant outdoor flea market scene with numerous stalls selling various items like clothing and art, bustling with shoppers, representing the 'Melrose Trading Post'.
LOS ANGELES GUIDE INCLUDING FREE ACTIVITIES 🌴🚲🎡
Runyon Canyon Yoga: Every morning at 10:30am in a quiet grassy nook near the popular hiking trail Cost: donation based Melrose Trading Post : Flea market every Sunday selling everything from clothing and jewelry to food, art, and furniture Cost: $5 admission fee Griffith Observatory
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

440 likes

50 ideas and activities for your evening 🌃
I recently made a post of 50 ideas and activities for the morning that has 2,500+ saves and 2,000 likes so I wanted to share the PM version! I definitely don’t do all of these everyday at all but it’s nice to have a list to reference and you can choose a few each day that resonate. #lemon8
allison wetig

allison wetig

282 likes

A wooden table with a laptop, a cup, and an incense burner, bathed in sunlight from a window. The image features the title '50 MORNING ROUTINE IDEAS BY CATEGORY'.
A list of ten 'PHYSICAL' morning routine ideas, including stretching, walking, face ice bath, skincare, expressive dance, cold shower, bodyweight exercises, Wim Hof breathwork, healthy breakfast, and lemon water.
A list of ten 'SPIRITUAL' morning routine ideas, including gratitude journaling, Pinterest dream life, affirmations, connecting with nature, setting intentions, meditation, palo santo, uplifting texts, EFT tapping, and watching the sunrise.
50 ideas and activities for your morning 🌅
I absolutely love mornings. the opportunity to have slow, intimate, alone time with myself is sacred. if I don’t have a good start to the day, it’s hard for me to course correct and have a great afternoon and night. so yeah, as they say, “win the morning, win the day!” for career, I don’t re
allison wetig

allison wetig

4947 likes

Insect Inspired Toddler Activities 🐝🐞🕷️
My almost two year old loved all of these! Let me know if you have any questions about how to make/do these activities 💚 #toddler #toddlerlearningactivities #toddlerlearning #toddlercrafts #toddleractivities #toddleractivityideas #sahm #sahmlife #insects #toddlermom
Ali ✨

Ali ✨

247 likes

An aerial view of a rugged coastline with turquoise water and lush green trees, featuring the text 'MIDWEST BUCKET LIST' against a blue sky.
A panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, showing a sandy beach, turquoise lake water, and forested dunes under a bright sky.
People sitting on a red rock cliff overlooking clear water at Apostle Islands, with green trees growing on the cliff top.
Midwest Travel Bucket List
🌼Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire,Michigan 🌼Apostle Islands in Bayfield, Wisconsin 🌼Isle Royale National Park in Michigan 🌼Pictured Rocks Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan 🌼Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota 🌼 The many waterfalls of Minnesotas North Shore 🌼Bad
Symantha

Symantha

2194 likes

SUMMER ACTIVITIES… if ur kinda broke 🌸
summer is right around the corner and FAR too often, i find myself googling things to do.☀️except all the recommended activities i find are so expensive! so i came up with a list that WON’T make u spend ur whole bank account on each one 😅 hope u like the list and lmk your favorites! 🌈 #summe
sara maevelyn

sara maevelyn

627 likes

SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Some fun summer activities to do with yourself or friends! #summeractivity #imbored #Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts #dormdecor #embracevulnerability #summer #crafts #DIY
mimi🫶🏼

mimi🫶🏼

201 likes

A laptop displaying a document, surrounded by handwritten notes and books, with the overlaid text 'Premed Extracurricular activities'.
A list of various extracurricular activity categories for premed applications, including Artistic Endeavors, Community Service, Hobbies, and Physician Shadowing.
Text outlining guidelines for medical school applications, emphasizing significant experiences, chronological order, and identifying up to three 'most meaningful' experiences with additional character space.
Premed Extracurricular activities
#premed #womeninmedicine #Activities #AMCAS
Future Dr. 🥼🩺

Future Dr. 🥼🩺

414 likes

summer activities ☀️
I am very much someone who loves to be out and about but sometimes it can be hard coming up with that to do! SAVE this for your summer bucket list activities to do for your next summer plans ☀️🤭 #summerideasforthegirls #summerdatenightideas #summertimeideas #summerideas #summerinspirat
kristinafornof

kristinafornof

74 likes

Summer activities
These are some fun summer activities to do with friends or family🦈🌸
Chloeyy

Chloeyy

24 likes

Homeschool Activities
#lemon8diarychallenge I went to Target today to pick up school supplies and I found a ton of great hands on activities and manipulatives that would be great for learning at home. #targetschoolsupplies #targetbacktoschool #target #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolresourc
Stacy Davis

Stacy Davis

612 likes

A young woman sits on a bed, using a tablet, with the text overlay "NO $pend Activities for Students" in red and green bubble letters. She is wearing a grey sweatshirt and patterned shorts, surrounded by pillows.
A flat lay shows a laptop, a white tumbler, an open planner, and an iced drink on a textured surface. Text overlays list "FREE FITNESS CLASSES ON CAMPUS," "TAKE A PHOTO WALK," "HOST A POTLUCK," and "HOST A GAME NIGHT."
A flat lay features a laptop, a white tumbler, an open planner, and an iced drink on a textured surface. Text overlays list "WRITE LETTERS," "ATTEND CAMPUS EVENTS (MOST ARE FREE!)," "MOVIE MARATHON," and "VOLUNTEER."
NO SPEND ACTIVITIES 😇💐🦋
hi loves, being a student with a student budget can make life a little more difficult when everyone just wants Togo out all the time. here are some ideas you can do with friends or solo that won’t break the bank 💰🫶🏽 Comment down below what your favorite one is or your ideas 💌 #studentlifesty
hi! im reis 🤍

hi! im reis 🤍

2525 likes

Big back activities 😭😋
#pancakes #breakfast #recipes #Recipe
NellyJo

NellyJo

310 likes

Beautiful island in the Midwest
Madeline Island in La-Pointe Wisconsin is a must visit. Madeline Island is one of the Apostle Islands, and it is actually the only one you can access via public transit (ferry). All of the other islands must be accessed by your own boat. The ferry runs on a schedule throughout the year (until the l
Symantha

Symantha

187 likes

Weekend Activities: Savory or Sweet Grits?
Salt or sugar on your grits? What’s your preference? Grits are so good and comforting and a great way to gather family around. I love grits for breakfast. TBH, I love and can eat grits any time of day. Grits go with eggs and bacon and seafood or chicken. The dish pairs well with anything. Ch
FleurishwithZ

FleurishwithZ

1308 likes

A couple is relaxing on a blanket in a grassy park under a tree, with the title 'Date Activities' overlaid, suggesting summer date ideas.
A picnic spread on a white blanket features fresh fruits like watermelon, grapes, and strawberries, along with cookies, donuts, and various beverages, labeled 'picnic'.
Two people are engaged in building Lego flower sets on a carpeted floor, surrounded by instructions, donuts, and drinks, labeled 'Building Legos'.
Date Activities 💗✨
Here are some fun and cute date activities to do during the summer! #lemon8diarychallenge #cutedateideas #relationshipdateideas #couples #datenightideas #DateIdeas #easydateideas #Lemon8 #relationship
Steph 🎀🍸🪩🍒

Steph 🎀🍸🪩🍒

1373 likes

🦋Activities to fight the winter blues🦋
Getting out of a slump is hard Especially when the days end early, and you just wanna stay in all day. But even in the winter time there are things we can do to enjoy this season! Here are a few things I personally enjoy doing/want to do while it’s still cold out! XOXO Audrey💕 #healt
Audrey<3

Audrey<3

136 likes

A vibrant kitchen with disco balls and a neon sign, featuring stand mixers on a counter. The image introduces "Unique NYC Experiences: FOODIE EDITION."
A close-up shows hands piping filling onto green macaron shells, illustrating a macaron/croissant baking class at Mille-Feuille Bakery in Greenwich Village, taught by a French chef.
This image displays various cheeses, crackers, and dough on a floured surface, with a hand holding a piece of dough. It highlights Murray's Cheese classes in West Village.
FUN NYC ACTIVITIES FOR FOODIES 🥐🧁🍕
🥐 Macaron or Croissant Making Mille-Feuille Bakery in Greenwich Village offers 2 hour pastry baking classes on Saturdays and Sundays led by a French born chef. You can choose a macaron class or croissant class which includes the preparation, baking, and learning the history and theory of pastri
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

921 likes

Summer Activities ☀️
Here's a list of summer activities that will help you come up with ideas to do this summer: 1. **Making Bracelets**: Set up a DIY bracelet-making station with beads, threads, and charms. 2. **Mini Golf**: Spend a fun afternoon playing mini golf at a local course. 3. **Movie Theaters**:
Allison 🎀

Allison 🎀

245 likes

A night view of a football stadium with large illuminated letters spelling "SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES" on the field, as colorful confetti falls over the crowd.
Three hands hold up pink, glittery "SENIOR" crowns with white fluffy trim, against the red track of a sports field, illustrating making senior crowns.
Six young women from behind, wearing shorts and carrying various character-themed backpacks, stand on a painted "SENIOR" parking spot, showcasing senior backpacks.
Senior year activities
Make the most out of your senior year, make it something you’ll always remember! The memories you make are so important!! #senioryear #last year of high school✨ #highschoolgraduation #seniorbox #seniorparking #seniorphotos #letschat #classof2025
Stacy

Stacy

1738 likes

A woman in a black abaya stands smiling inside a grand white mosque with ornate pillars and patterned floors. The image is titled "DUBAI BUCKET LIST ACTIVITIES".
An aerial view shows people swimming and relaxing on an inflatable platform in a bay, with a city skyline in the background. The activity is labeled "01. BRUNCH YACHAT".
Two women smile at each other with colorful hot air balloons visible in the sky behind them, suggesting a sunrise hot air balloon experience. The activity is labeled "02. SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOON".
DUBAI BUCKET LIST ACTIVITIES
Which of these activities would you try first?🐪✈️ Do you want to go to Dubai?🇦🇪 #travelwithme2024 #Lemon8Diary #travel #dubai #uae #travelcreator #lemon8partner #Lemon8
Jamie Connors

Jamie Connors

54 likes

christian girl friend activities 🪩
Hey girls! 🩷 You can have fun without sining! Anyone who tells you different is lying…. What’s your favorite activity to do with your girls? #christianfriendships #christianfriends #christian #christiangirl #christianlifestyle #fun #Activities #christiangirlies #christianl
Makayla

Makayla

650 likes

A vibrant image showcasing the Dallas skyline behind a lush green park, with text indicating "Spring activities in Dallas, Texas part 1" and decorative elements.
An outdoor view of the Nasher Sculpture Center featuring a multi-level staircase with greenery, a dark sculpture, and cartoon bunnies, with text about exploring the center.
A vibrant field of red and yellow tulips blooming at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, with people in the background and heart stickers, highlighting the blooming flowers.
Spring Activities In Dallas, Texas
It feels like spring is finally here! So take the time to go outside and enjoy natures new beginning 🌸 These 3 locations are also kid friendly! Add these 3 places to you spring bucket list Nasher Sculpture Center Spend the day exploring this beautiful museum! $10 admission. The Da
Diandra Osorio

Diandra Osorio

161 likes

A book titled 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle is displayed next to a paper craft of a caterpillar made from green paper squares. The image highlights toddler activities inspired by the book.
A close-up of a caterpillar craft made from green and light green paper squares glued onto a white paper outline. The caterpillar has a red head with yellow eyes and purple antennae, demonstrating a toddler craft activity.
Chalk drawings on a reddish-brown ground show a caterpillar-shaped hopscotch game with circles numbered 1 to 10. This image illustrates a 'Caterpillar Hopscotch' activity for toddlers.
Caterpillar Themed Toddler Activities 🐛🦋
I did these with my almost 2 year old but you can adjust to your toddler age/learning level 💚 #toddlerlearningactivities #toddlerlearning #toddlercrafts #sahm #sahmlife #sahmlifestyle #toddlermealideas #toddlermom #toddlermomlife
Ali ✨

Ali ✨

188 likes

A person looks out from a window at a large field of sunflowers under a cloudy sky. The image features text overlays "Affordable & Free Summer activities" and "lemon8 @keana.rodriguez," along with decorative icons like stars, a rainbow, and a sun.
Affordable & free summer activities ☀️🌈🌏
Here are some super fun,affordable and free summer activities! Including some all year round activities! If you’re bored and have lots of free time this is the post for you! Get off the screens and enjoy the bigger things in life! Save this and share with friends to make some fun summer memories! C
Keana Rodriguez

Keana Rodriguez

33 likes

AFFORDABLE Solo Activities In Cancun 🇲🇽
🏛️ Chichen Itza Day Trip; start at Valladolid for exploring and liquor tasting. Have a buffet, see the iconic Wonder of the World, and end it at Cenote Saamal. ($57 plus $39 entry) 🛶 Kayak on Nichupte Lagoon, going through Mangroves and seeing birdlife. ($38) 🤿 Snorkel, Zipline, ATV and Cenot
Jami Travels

Jami Travels

156 likes

A vibrant image of the Austin skyline viewed from a lush green park, with text overlay "SPRING activities in AUSTIN, TX" highlighting outdoor spring activities.
A winding stone path through a beautiful garden filled with various plants and purple flowers, with text describing Luci and Ian's Family Hill Country Garden.
A stunning view inside a cave at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, showing a clear river flowing through lush, moss-covered rock formations and greenery.
Spring Activities in Austin, Tx
My favorite seasons in Austin are spring and summer! There’s so many outdoor things to do that it makes me want be outside all day! Some of my favorite places lately have been these 3 places: Luci and Ian's Family Hill Country Garden : Have a peaceful walk among beautiful plants and scene
Diandra Osorio

Diandra Osorio

782 likes

A vibrant display of bouquets with pink and white roses, and other colorful flowers, wrapped in brown paper, with price tags. Overlay text reads: "MENTAL HEALTH ACTIVITIES TO TRY For relaxation & fun."
Lush green plants and small trees in pots outside a building, possibly a cafe. Overlay text reads: "VISIT A CAFE Try a new drink if bold."
Several cats, including a black cat and a tabby cat, playing on a wooden floor with a colorful tunnel toy. Overlay text reads: "VISIT ANIMALS Try an animal shelter or cat cafe."
Mental Health Activities To Try For Fun & Stress 🍋
These are honestly just my personal favorites, these range from all sorts of price ranges and locations from your own closet to targets dollar section. My personal favorite is going to target on a random afternoon that I usually have no business being in 🥹 I'm just a girl, let me live. A
Denisse 🧸💗🩰✨

Denisse 🧸💗🩰✨

801 likes

A hand holds two long paper rolls, with a basket of ping pong balls, painter's tape, and a bin of more paper rolls on the carpet. The text overlay suggests using empty paper rolls for an activity.
A flat lay shows the materials needed for the activity: a white basket filled with empty paper rolls, a small woven basket with ping pong balls, and a roll of painter's tape on a carpeted floor.
A hand uses painter's tape to secure a brown paper roll to a white wall, demonstrating the first step in creating the ball run. Another taped paper roll is visible above.
30 activities for kids using paper rolls 🤎
I’m back with another paper roll activity to keep your kids entertained screen-free. ACTIVITY 5 of 30👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 This one is probably my son’s (almost 3) FAVORITE & we haven’t done it in a while so he was super excited! WHAT YOU NEED: -empty paper rolls (the more, the better) -painters ta
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

2003 likes

Simple activities to help lower stress
We all have times when life feels overwhelming. As someone who has a pretty sensitive nervous system, I’ve had to learn to prioritize simple soothing strategies when stress, fear, anxiety, or simply overwhelm kicks in. When we take time to care for our stress response first, it helps increase our c
Brianna

Brianna

645 likes

A woman enjoys high tea outdoors, holding a pink macaron. A tiered stand displays macarons and finger sandwiches, with iced coffee and champagne on a marble table, illustrating girly spring activities.
A woman in a white sweater and floral skirt gently pets a white horse adorned with blue flowers, resembling a unicorn, at a Renaissance Festival.
A woman in a pink floral dress sits in a rowboat on a lake in Central Park, with a stone bridge and city skyline in the background, enjoying a boat ride.
spring activities & spring outfit inspo 🌸🦢🌷
These are some of my favorite girly activities to do in the spring🌸 1. Go to the renaissance festival! Depending on where you live, these festivals can happen throughout the year! Here in Arizona the festival usually happens around February-April! There are so many fun activities to enjoy at thes
sara 🎀

sara 🎀

1980 likes

4th of July activities 🇺🇸🎨
Can you guys believe we are a week away from July ? 😭 where did June go? 😕 Anyways, let’s get crafty with our kiddos this upcoming holiday ( 4th of July) 🥰🎨 Here are a few ideas I found, there’s so many cute ones. I already got my 2 favorite that I will be making with my kids. #toddlercrafti
Vianey Chavez 🫶🏼

Vianey Chavez 🫶🏼

83 likes

MY MIDWEST BUCKET LIST
🪷Fragrant Isle Lavender field on Washington Island in Door County Wisconsin! These beautiful lavender fields are a must see and are the picture of Instagram worthy! 🪷 The St. Louis Arch in St. Louis Missouri! You can enjoy the view from outside or you can go inside to enjoy the view from 630 fe
Symantha

Symantha

146 likes

A green crocheted wall hanging displays various earrings, necklaces, and sunglasses. The image has 'CUTE DIY inspo SWIPE' text overlay, suggesting DIY ideas for accessories and room decor.
An open notebook showcases pressed and dried flowers with handwritten botanical descriptions, held by a hand with rings. This illustrates a DIY project for preserving flowers from special occasions.
A collection of colorful, handmade clay magnets shaped like a dinosaur, orange slice, duck, boot, seashell, coffee cup, starfish, clog, frying pan with egg, cat, strawberry, and heart, adorns a white refrigerator.
cute diy activities✨🍋
💭🪡💡🌱🐚 dried flowers are so beautiful and can be used in so many ways to decorate your notebook or home🌺 i always preserve flowers from special occasions, i love having a story behind them as well💐 i love the hair clip grass mat, so creative!🌿 the clay magnets are so cute i need to make some🥺
aya🧚🏼✨

aya🧚🏼✨

2511 likes

3 cheap activities in Rome pt. 1
Rome is an amazing city to explore with SO many cool things to do, but not all of them are the most affordable when you’re on a budget Europe trip. Here are 3 cheap activities to do in Rome, Italy: 1. Visit the Colosseum, either do a free walk around it or a €20 tour of the inside with a guide!
TravelwithSam

TravelwithSam

39 likes

NYC Fun Activities- Ferox 💪🏻
It’s time to try something new! 💥 I had an amazing time at Ferox, the largest American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park on the East Coast, located right here in Brooklyn, New York! Every Friday from 8 to 11 PM is Adult Night—so grab your friends and challenge yourself on the courses! You won’t believe
Savannah Vinson

Savannah Vinson

596 likes

summer activities in NOLA 🌞🐊🍧💜
📍 #thingstodo in New Orleans, Louisiana in the summer! 🌞💦🐊💜🍧 New Orleans in the summer is super hot & humid but so much fun! There are always activities going on no matter the season! #neworleans #neworleanstrip #lemon8challenge #thingstodoinneworleans New Orleans Wheel Fun Re
olivia 😋💗

olivia 😋💗

387 likes

A 'Surprising Sharks' book, a shark silhouette, and a '15' number card are displayed with two shark mouth drawings containing paper teeth, illustrating preschool shark activities.
A 'Surprising Sharks' book is shown with two shark mouth drawings, each containing letter cutouts forming names, demonstrating a shark teeth literacy activity.
The 'Surprising Sharks' book is open, alongside two shark mouth drawings with letter cutouts arranged to spell names, representing a literacy activity.
Sharks Preschool Theme Activities
Yesterday was all about sharks! Math: Counting Shark Teeth Literacy: Shark teeth names Art: Shark Silhouettes #activitiesforpreschoolers #preschoolactivities #homeschool #preschool #sharks #art #math #literacy #preschoolteacher #sahmlife
HomeschoolMamaof3🎀

HomeschoolMamaof3🎀

45 likes

See more